Ceiling member installation tool

ABSTRACT

A ceiling material installation tool wherein the present invention assists in the installation of tongue and groove ceiling planks. The present invention includes a frame having an upper portion and a lower portion. The upper portion includes a lateral support member with longitudinal support members at opposing ends thereof. The lateral support member can be configured to be adjustable in length so as to place the longitudinal support members against adjacent support trusses that are alternate distances. The lower portion of the frame includes a vertical support member extending downward from the lateral support member. An upper horizontal member and a lower horizontal member are coupled to the vertical support member both being perpendicular to the vertical support member and axially aligned. The upper horizontal member can be vertically adjustable along the vertical support member so as to position a ceiling plank.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to tools, more specifically but not by way of limitation, a tool configured to assist in the installation of ceiling members, in particular tongue and groove style planks that are installed onto the bottom of support members present at the ceiling of a room.

BACKGROUND

As is known in the art, there are many different types of ceiling materials that are installed in either commercial or residential structures. Materials such as but not limited to drywall, suspended foam tile and wood are utilized and the selection of the material may either be based on code requirement or as a design preference. On popular type of material utilized in many structures are tongue and groove wood planks. These planks are typically eight to twelve feet in length and approximately four to six inches in width. The tongue and groove planks have mateable longitudinal edges that are designed to couple when placed adjacent each other. Tongue and groove planks are typically mechanically fastened to support members at the ceiling, which can be portions of a roof truss or floor truss.

Due to their length, conventional tongue and groove planks can be cumbersome to install especially if only one individual is performing the installation. Typically, to successfully install conventional tongue and groove planks for a ceiling it is required that two individuals perform the installation. This is not always possible and as such the task of installing tongue and groove planks for one individual can prove to be quite difficult.

It is intended within the scope of the present invention to provide a tool that assists in the installation of tongue and groove planks for a ceiling in order to facilitate installation by a single individual.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is the object of the present invention to provide a tool configured to facilitate installation of an elongated plank style member for a ceiling wherein the present invention includes a frame having an upper portion and a lower portion.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an installation tool for tongue and groove ceiling planks wherein the upper portion of the frame includes a lateral support member.

A further object of the present invention is to provide a tool configured to facilitate installation of an elongated plank style member for a ceiling wherein the lateral support member has secured thereto a first longitudinal support member and a second longitudinal support member at opposing ends of the lateral support member.

Still another object of the present invention is to provide an installation tool for tongue and groove ceiling planks wherein the lateral support member is adjustable in length.

An additional object of the present invention is to provide a tool configured to facilitate installation of an elongated plank style member for a ceiling wherein the lower portion of the frame includes a vertical support member extending downward from the lateral support member of the upper portion of the frame.

Yet a further object of the present invention is to provide an installation tool for tongue and groove ceiling planks wherein the lower portion of the frame includes an upper horizontal support member operably coupled to the vertical support member.

Another object of the present invention is to a provide a tool configured to facilitate installation of an elongated plank style member for a ceiling wherein the lower portion of the frame includes a lower horizontal support member secured to the vertical support member distal to the lateral support member of the upper portion of the frame.

An alternate object of the present invention is to provide an installation tool for tongue and groove ceiling planks wherein the upper portion is adjustable in width so as to accommodate various support trusses.

To the accomplishment of the above and related objects the present invention may be embodied in the form illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Attention is called to the fact that the drawings are illustrative only. Variations are contemplated as being a part of the present invention, limited only by the scope of the claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A more complete understanding of the present invention may be had by reference to the following Detailed Description and appended claims when taken in conjunction with the accompanying Drawings wherein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 2 is a rear perspective view the present invention in use.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring now to the drawings submitted herewith, wherein various elements depicted therein are not necessarily drawn to scale and wherein through the views and figures like elements are referenced with identical reference numerals, there is illustrated a ceiling member installation tool 100 constructed according to the principles of the present invention.

An embodiment of the present invention is discussed herein with reference to the figures submitted herewith. Those skilled in the art will understand that the detailed description herein with respect to these figures is for explanatory purposes and that it is contemplated within the scope of the present invention that alternative embodiments are plausible. By way of example but not by way of limitation, those having skill in the art in light of the present teachings of the present invention will recognize a plurality of alternate and suitable approaches dependent upon the needs of the particular application to implement the functionality of any given detail described herein, beyond that of the particular implementation choices in the embodiment described herein. Various modifications and embodiments are within the scope of the present invention.

It is to be further understood that the present invention is not limited to the particular methodology, materials, uses and applications described herein, as these may vary. Furthermore, it is also to be understood that the terminology used herein is used for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only, and is not intended to limit the scope of the present invention. It must be noted that as used herein and in the claims, the singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” include the plural reference unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, a reference to “an element” is a reference to one or more elements and includes equivalents thereof known to those skilled in the art. All conjunctions used are to be understood in the most inclusive sense possible. Thus, the word “or” should be understood as having the definition of a logical “or” rather than that of a logical “exclusive or” unless the context clearly necessitates otherwise. Structures described herein are to be understood also to refer to functional equivalents of such structures. Language that may be construed to express approximation should be so understood unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

References to “one embodiment”, “an embodiment”, “exemplary embodiments”, and the like may indicate that the embodiment(s) of the invention so described may include a particular feature, structure or characteristic, but not every embodiment necessarily includes the particular feature, structure or characteristic.

Now referring in particular to the Figures submitted as a part hereof, the ceiling member installation tool 100 includes a frame 10. The frame 10 includes an upper portion 15 and a lower portion 20 that are integrally formed utilizing suitable techniques. The frame 10 is manufactured from a lightweight rigid material such as but not limited to square metal tubing. It is contemplated within the scope of the present invention that the frame 10 or portions thereof could be manufactured from alternate suitable materials in order to accommodate various support structures to which the ceiling member installation tool 100 is secured during use thereof.

The upper portion 15 includes a lateral support member 25 wherein the lateral support member 25 includes a first end 26 and second end 27. The lateral support member 25 includes outer sections 28 wherein the sections are movably coupled to the center section 29 utilizing suitable techniques and/or fasteners. The outer sections 28 are configured to be adjustable in order to facilitate the altering of the length of the lateral support member 25 in order to facilitate engagement with exemplary support trusses 99. As is known in the art, depending upon the ceiling location, the structure will have different widths between the support trusses and as such the lateral support member 25 is adjustable in length in order to accommodate alternate distances between adjacent support trusses of a structure. While no particular length is required, it is contemplated within the scope of the present invention that the lateral support member 25 could be adjustable between a range of eleven to twenty eight inches. It is further contemplated within the scope of the present invention that the lateral support member 25 could be provided in a fixed length or a variety of fixed lengths so as to accommodate standard spacing's between support trusses.

Secured to the first end 26 and second end 27 of the lateral support member 25 are the first longitudinal support member 30 and second longitudinal support member 35. The first longitudinal support member 30 and second longitudinal support member 35 are secured to the lateral support member 25 utilizing suitable durable techniques and are perpendicular to the lateral support member 25. The first longitudinal support member 30 and second longitudinal support member 35 are oriented so as to be placed adjacent to the exemplary support trusses 99 and releasably secured thereto during use of the ceiling member installation tool 100. It should be understood within the scope of the present invention that the first longitudinal support member 30 and second longitudinal support member 35 could be provided in various lengths and further be formed from alternate materials instead of square metal tubing. By way of example but not limitation, it is contemplated within the scope of the present invention that the first longitudinal support member 30 and second longitudinal support member 35 could be manufactured from angle iron so as to be secured to the bottom of the exemplary support trusses 99 when required for installation of ceiling members having plumbing or electrical present.

The lower portion 20 of the frame 10 extends downward from the upper portion 15 and is secured thereto utilizing suitable techniques. The lower portion 20 includes a vertical support member 40. The vertical support member 40 is secured to the center section 29 of the lateral support member 25 and extends downward therefrom being perpendicular therewith. The vertical support member 40 includes an upper horizontal member 50 secured thereto and a lower horizontal member 60 secured thereto. Both upper horizontal member 50 and lower horizontal member 60 are utilized during the installation of exemplary ceiling members 98. The lower horizontal member 60 is secured to the end 42 of the vertical support member 40 and extends outward therefrom being perpendicular thereto. The lower horizontal member 60 is of sufficient length so as to accommodate thereon a plurality of exemplary ceiling members 98. The lower horizontal member 60 functions to maintain exemplary ceiling members 98 in a proximate location to the installation so as to add a convenience for the individual installing the exemplary ceiling members 98 utilizing the ceiling member installation tool 100. It should be understood within the scope of the present invention that the lower horizontal member 60 could be provided in various lengths in order to achieve the desired objective stated herein.

The upper horizontal member 50 is secured to the vertical support member 40 and is axially aligned with the lower horizontal support member 60. The upper horizontal member 50 is shorter in length than the lower horizontal support member 60 and is configured to provide support for one exemplary ceiling member 98. The upper horizontal member 50 is positioned so as to provide the required positioning of the ceiling member 98 for installation thereof. It is contemplated within the scope of the present invention that the upper horizontal member 50 could be secured in the required position for standard installations or additionally be adjustable in position along the vertical support member 40 in order to facilitate movement thereof in an upwards-downwards direction in order to place a ceiling member 98 in the required location for installation. It should be understood within the scope of the present invention that the upper horizontal support member 50 could be movably secured utilizing various types of conventional fasteners and/or techniques.

While a preferred embodiment of the frame 10 has been illustrated and discussed herein, it is contemplated within the scope of the present invention that the frame 10 could employ alternate structures in order to accomplish the desired objective of the ceiling member installation tool 100 as discussed herein. By way of example but not limitation, it is contemplated within the scope of the present invention that the lower portion 20 could employ only one horizontal support member.

In the preceding detailed description, reference has been made to the accompanying drawings that form a part hereof, and in which are shown by way of illustration specific embodiments in which the invention may be practiced. These embodiments, and certain variants thereof, have been described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention. It is to be understood that other suitable embodiments may be utilized and that logical changes may be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention. The description may omit certain information known to those skilled in the art. The preceding description is, therefore, not intended to be limited to the specific forms set forth herein, but on the contrary, it is intended to cover such alternatives, modifications, and equivalents, as can be reasonably included within the spirit and scope of the invention. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A ceiling member installation tool comprising: a frame, said frame being manufactured from a rigid material, said frame having an upper portion and a lower portion, said upper portion having support members configured to engage adjacent support trusses of a structure, said upper portion operable to extend between the adjacent support trusses, said lower portion of said frame extending downward from said upper portion, said lower portion having at least one horizontal support member, said at least one horizontal support member operable to position a ceiling member in place for securing thereof to the adjacent support trusses.
 2. The ceiling member installation tool as recited in claim 1, wherein said upper portion further includes a lateral support member, said lateral support member having a first end and a second end, said lateral support member configured to be placed intermediate adjacent support trusses.
 3. The ceiling member installation tool as recited in claim 2, wherein said upper portion further includes a first longitudinal support member, said first longitudinal support member being secured to said first end of said lateral support member and being perpendicular thereto.
 4. The ceiling member installation tool as recited in claim 3, wherein said lower portion of said frame includes a vertical support member, said vertical support member being coupled to said lateral support member of said upper portion of said frame and extending downward therefrom.
 5. The ceiling member installation tool as recited in claim 4, wherein the at least one horizontal support member of said lower portion is coupled to said vertical support member and extends outward therefrom being perpendicular thereto.
 6. An installation tool for tongue and groove ceiling planks wherein the installation tool comprises: a frame, said frame having an upper portion, said upper portion of said frame having a lateral support member, said lateral support member having a first end and a second end, said upper portion of said frame having a first longitudinal support member, said first longitudinal support member being secured to said first end of said lateral support member, said first longitudinal support member being perpendicular to said lateral support member, said upper portion of said frame further including a second longitudinal support member, said second longitudinal support member being secured to said second end of said lateral support member, said second longitudinal support member being perpendicular to said lateral support member; a lower portion, said lower portion being coupled to said upper portion, said lower portion having a vertical support member, said lower portion being secured to said lateral support member of said upper portion of said frame, said vertical support member extending downward from said lateral support member, said lower portion further including a lower horizontal member, said lower horizontal member being coupled to said vertical support member distal to said lateral support member, said lower horizontal member extending outward from said vertical support member and being perpendicular thereto.
 7. The installation tool for tongue and groove ceiling planks as recited in claim 6, wherein said lower portion further includes an upper horizontal member, said upper horizontal member being coupled to said vertical support member, said upper horizontal member being intermediate said lower horizontal member and said lateral support member, said upper horizontal member extending outward from said vertical support member being perpendicular thereto.
 8. The installation tool for tongue and groove ceiling planks as recited in claim 7, wherein said upper horizontal member has a length that is less than that of the lower horizontal member.
 9. The installation tool for tongue and groove ceiling planks as recited in claim 8, wherein the lateral support member includes a center section and opposing outer sections, said lateral support member being configured to be adjustable in length to accommodate distances between support trusses.
 10. The installation tool for tongue and groove ceiling planks as recited in claim 9, wherein said upper horizontal member is adjustable along said vertical support member. 